Sun Feb 02 14:48:18 IST 2025: ## India Set to Face England in Final T20I Despite Series Win

**Mumbai, India –** India secured a commanding 3-1 series victory over England in the fifth T20I match in Pune. However, the fourth match sparked controversy surrounding India’s concussion substitute, Harshit Rana, who replaced Shivam Dube. England protested the decision, arguing that Ramandeep Singh would have been a more “like-for-like” replacement. The final match in Mumbai promises further intrigue as several key players face uncertain selection.

Shivam Dube’s head injury sustained in the fourth T20I leaves his participation in doubt. India may opt for Ramandeep Singh, another batting all-rounder, or stick with the successful Rana. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, returning from injury, is also a strong contender to replace Arshdeep Singh.

England, having already lost the series, might rest key bowler Jofra Archer, potentially giving Gus Atkinson a chance.

**Predicted Playing XIs:**

**India:** Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, (Ramandeep Singh/Harshit Rana), (Arshdeep Singh/Mohammed Shami), Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy

**England:** Phil Salt (wk), Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (capt), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, (Jofra Archer/Gus Atkinson), Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid

The final match promises to be an interesting contest, despite the series result already being decided. The selection choices for both teams will be closely watched, particularly India’s decision regarding its controversial concussion replacement strategy.

Read More